Welcome to the Xeriscape Garden - Penticton, Canada
1. WELCOME TO
garden
Xeriscape refers to landscaping with water
conservation in mind. It can be achieved by incorporating
seven basic principles. By adopting these techniques you
can create an attractive, diverse and sustainable landscape
that uses less water.
The City of Penticton Xeriscape Garden displays many plants and plant combinations
to inspire you, and includes many plants indigenous to the Okanagan’s dry climate. It
is comprised of three distinct planting areas of similar water usage, designated in the
plan by three distinct colour codes.
The Demonstration Garden provides examples of how indigenous and non-
indigenous drought-tolerant plants can be combined to create a water-wise landscape
on a typical urban property.
Explore the Xeriscape Garden and refer to this guide for:
• Seven Principles of Xeriscape
• a descriptive list of 40 Top Plants
• the Xeriscape Garden planting plan
• complete plant list including perennials, shrubs and trees,
ornamental grasses and bulbs
The Xeriscape Garden is located
Okanagan Lake in Marina Way Park, east of the
a Way
Marin Penticton Art Gallery.
ore
Lakesh
Main
inster
Westm
Eckha
rd
The garden was planted in 2007.
t
*Xeri (rhymes with terra) is from the Greek word “xeros”, for dry.
2. table of contents
Planting plan........................................................................ 1
How to use this map............................................................. 1
Seven Principles of Xeriscape........................................... 2 - 5
40 Top Plants......................................................................... 6
40 Top Plants, continued....................................................... 7
40 Top Plants, continued....................................................... 8
40 Top Plants, continued....................................................... 9
Perennials, list.................................................................... 10
Ornamental grasses, list..................................................... 10
Shrubs and trees, list.......................................................... 11
Planting plan: A.................................................................. 12
Planting plan: B.................................................................. 13
Planting plan: C.................................................................. 14
Planting plan: D, Demonstration Garden............................ 15
3. The central area ‘C’
focusses on, but is not
entirely devoted to
indigenous plantings.
How to use this map
This Garden is comprised of three distinct planting areas of similar water use/irrigation as follows:
■ very low ■ low ■ low to moderate,
designated by three distinct colour codes.
All plants are identified with both botanical and common name, and cross-referenced by location.
Use the number codes to locate each plant on the plan.
1
4. The Seven Principles of Xeriscape...
Xeriscape
Xeri (rhymes
with terra) is
from the Greek
right
word ”xeros” plant,
for “dry”.
right
place
plan
1
planning
& design
A well designed plan involves assessing and
2
plant
selection
Select plants with low water needs. Local
assigning space for function, privacy and indigenous plants are inherently ‘engineered’ for
navigation. Consider sun and wind exposure, low water use, and offer a familiar and varied
drainage, sightlines, topography, existing habitat for wildlife. Choose the right plant for
trees and shrubs, utilities (both overhead and the right place, appropriate to your garden‘s
underground), soil conditions and local bylaws. soil, micro climate, sun exposure, and drainage.
Commit your plan to paper. Consider each plant’s mature size. Group plants of
similar water needs together.
2
5. soil the
foundation
turf
of your
landscape
3
analysis &
preparation
Soils are the foundation of your landscape. They should
4
practical
turf areas
Your landscape may include turf of a practical size.
be healthy, rich in organics, deep, and well-drained. Soils Turf areas should be functional and of appropriate
should be analyzed and amended as required prior to sizes for the planned use. Use drought-tolerant
planting. grass species (like fescues) that require less water.
The Seven Principles continued ... 3
6. wise
water
use
organic
mulch
5
efficient
irrigation
A well designed and maintained irrigation system,
6
organic
mulch
Organic mulches applied and maintained at
combined with an appropriate watering program appropriate depths assist in moisture retention,
will reduce water consumption. soil fertility, weed suppression and prevention of
soil erosion.
The Seven Principles continued ... 4
7. nurture
& maintain
7
good
maintenance
Dedication to proper landscape and irrigation
maintenance will enhance your landscape and
provide water conservation.
The Seven Principles continued ... 5
8. 40 Top Plants
40 plant profiles have been documented for their distinctive presence in this Garden. Representing a broad spectrum of reliable
performers, their colour, form and textures provide a palette to guide and inspire you in your plantings. Smart choices for water-wise
gardening, you can depend on them to be readily available in local nurseries. As a bonus, your selections of indigenous plant selections
will enhance and support our valley ecosystems. Note the legend for water usage, plant type, size and sun/shade specifics.
shrubs and trees g ornamental grasses å perennials w
Achillea tomentosa ‘Aurea’ Aster novi-belgii
Woolly Yarrow Michaelmas Daisy
w 20 x 30 cm w 50 x 40 cm
• full sun • zone 3 • full sun - partial shade • zone 3
Finely textured, woolly, pungent, greyish Masses of a range of colours of blue/purple/
foliage with small clusters of long lasting white flowers in late summer/fall. Attrac-
yellow flowers. Forms low growing mat. tive to bees, birds, and especially butter-
Rapid growth. flies. Great for back of border. Durable.
Amelanchier alnifolia Aster pansus
Saskatoon Berry Tufted White Prairie Aster
g 100 - 500 cm w 30 - 60 cm
• full sun - partial shade • zone 2 • full sun - partial shade • zone 2
Showy, fragrant white flowers with black- Rough hairy stems. Masses of white com-
purple edible fruits – a high source of an- posite heads of ray flowers with yellow
tioxidants. Fall colour. Attractive to bees, centres. Small narrow leaves. Late season
butterflies and birds. Important for wild- flowering. A nectar source for butterflies.
life, watershed, and shelterbelts.
Anemone pulsatilla Bouteloua gracilis
Pasque Flower Blue Grama
w 20 - 40 cm å 40 - 50 cm
• full sun • zone 4 • full sun • zone 3
Rosette of finely divided leaves covered Extremely decorative ‘eyebrow-shaped’
with silky hairs. Blue/purple early-bloom- seedheads in clump-forming grey-green
ing flowers 3 cm across on 20 cm high foliage. Specimen planting or front of
stalks. A welcome sign of spring. Attractive border. Dense shallow root stabilizes soils.
seed heads. Warm season grass.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Buddleia davidii
Kinnikinnick Butterfly Bush
g 20 cm g 300 x 200 cm
• full sun - partial shade • zone 3 • full sun • zone 5
Dense, mat-forming groundcover. Small, Large shrub with arching branches of grey-
dark green, glossy leaves. Small pinkish- green coarse foliage. Showy, fragrant 10 -
white flowers followed by red berries. At- 20 cm panicles of white, lavender, purple or
tractive to bees, butterflies and birds. pink flowers. Attractive to bees. Irresistible
to butterflies.
Artemisia frigida Chasmanthium latifolium
Pasture Sage Northern Sea Oats
w 10 - 40 cm å 100 x 50 cm
• full sun • zone 3 • full sun - partial shade • zone 3
Mat-forming, silvery grey-green, soft Cool season, clump-forming grass with
woolly-haired aromatic leaves. Pale yellow highly decorative seedheads. Green upright
inconspicuous flowers. Good soil stabilizer. arching, rustling foliage ages to bronze in
A pleasing touch of grey to short grass late summer. Specimen or mass plantings.
plantings.
water use/irrigation: very low low low to moderate 6
9. 40 Top Plants
continued
shrubs and trees g ornamental grasses å perennials w
Chrysothamnus nauseosus Helictotrichon sempervirens
Common Rabbit-brush Blue Oat Grass
g 150 - 180 cm å 30 - 50 cm
• full sun • zone 4 • full sun • zone 3
Compact shrub with long narrow dense blue- Award-winning. Long wiry steel-blue leaves on
grey foliage. Broad crown of deep yellow arching stems. Graceful beige flower plumes.
composite flowers in late summer. Dramatic Great for accent, or plant in rows for border.
backdrop or specimen planting. Extremely Combine/contrast with maroon-leaved plants.
attractive to butterflies. Cool season. Year-round interest.
Coreopsis Hemerocallis ‘Amadeus’
Tickseed Amadeus’ Daylily
w 30 cm w 60 - 90 cm
• full sun • zone 3 • full sun - partial shade • zone 3
Daisy-like delicate, profuse blooms for sunny Large lily-like flowers. Heavy bloomers, summer
borders. Yellow, orange or pink flowers are long through fall. Flowers each lasting one day. Semi-
lasting. Fine ferny leaves. Excellent for edgings, evergreen foliage. Versatile. Indispensable. Low
underplanting, and as cut flowers. Attractive to maintenance. Hundreds of varieties available.
bees.
Festuca cinerea ‘Elijah Blue’ Holodiscus discolor
Elijah Blue Fescue Ocean Spray
å 15 - 30 cm g 4m
• full sun - partial shade • zone 4 • partial shade • zone 5
Semi-evergreen, compact, clump-forming Tiny creamy white fragrant lilac-like flower
grass renowned for its finely textured silver- clusters make a dazzling display in late spring.
blue erect arching tufts. Ground cover, edging, Deeply-lobed foliage. Arching, slender,
or container plant. Easy to grow. Short-lived. fountain-like stems. Attractive to birds and
Deer resistant. butterflies.
Geranium cinereum Iris germanica
Gray Leaf Cranesbill Bearded Iris
w 30 x 30 cm w wide range of heights
• full sun - partial shade • zone 3 • full sun • zone 3
Magenta-pink bountiful blooms all summer Striking large, ruffled flowers in a rainbow of
on low growing mound of bluish grey-green colours and thousands of varieties. Sword-
deeply-lobed foliage. Easy care. Excellent like leaves. Easily grown with minimum of
weed-screening ground cover. maintenance. Very rewarding.
Geum urbanum Juniperus communis
Wood Avens Common Juniper
w 30 - 50 cm g diverse heights and widths
• light shade • zone 2 • full sun - partial shade • zone 2
Thin upright wiry stems. Leaves, toothed, Extremely diverse in form – commonly low
covered with hairs. Bright yellow five-petaled and spreading. Dense cover of prickly needles
flowers 1 - 2 cm dia. May - August. Scented. provides good nesting site for birds. Dusty blue
Woodland settings. Attractive to bees. berries are attractive to birds. Slow growing.
water use/irrigation: very low low low to moderate 7
10. 40 Top Plants
continued
shrubs and trees g ornamental grasses å perennials w
Kniphofia uvaria Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’
Red Hot Poker Maiden Grass
w 120 x 60 cm å 150 x 120 cm
• full sun to partial shade • zone 7 • full sun • zone 5
Finely toothed coarse leaves. Flowers range and Dense, tall, graceful, clumps of narrow arching
progress from red to orange to yellow in dense green leaves with bronze fall colour. Loose,
erect poker-like spikes. Attractive to humming- lacy, beige flower clusters. Makes good screen
birds and bees. Many varieties, colours, and or border.
heights available.
Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ Oenothera tetragona
Munstead English Lavender Evening Primrose
g 100 cm w 30 x 30 cm
• full sun • zone 4 • full sun • zone 4
Grey-green, very aromatic foliage. Long-lasting Light, yellow, white or pink showy flowers
blue, purple, (seldom) white, or pink flower 2 - 5 cm across. Repeat blooming over long
spikes dried for sachets and bouquets. Attrac- season. Reddish stems. Easy to grow. Grad-
tive to bees. Easy to grow. ual spreading. Good in massed plantings or
as ground cover.
Leymus condensatus Panicum virgatum
Giant Wild Rye Red Switch Grass
å 100 - 200 x 100 cm å 100 - 150 cm
• full sun • zone 7 • full sun - partial shade • zone 4
An outstanding large robust architectural bunch Upright, clump-forming with grey-green
grass. Coarse, silver-blue-grey in colour with leaves turning pale yellow in fall. Open, lacy
powdery blue flower plumes. Deer tolerant. reddish-bronze sprays of seedheads. Popular
and long-lived. Use in tall screen or back of
border.
Linum perenne Pennisetum alopecuroides
Blue Sapphire Flax ‘Hameln’
w 30 cm Fountain Grass
• full sun - partial shade • zone 2 å 100 x 45 cm
Clump-forming. Slender, graceful stems. Nar- • full sun • zone 4
row bluish-green leaves. Profuse sky-blue flow- Densely tufted, clump-forming with grace-
ers, 2 - 3 cm across fading daily but repeating ful arching stems. Fuzzy, coppery-pink
continuously throughout summer. Reseeds. spike-like flowers that look like narrow
Easy to grow. Short-lived. bottlebrushes. Plant for colour contrast.
Mahonia aquifolium Penstemon pseudospectabilis
Oregon Grape Desert Beardtongue
g 100 x 150 cm w 100 x 60 cm
• partial sun - full shade • zone 6 • full sun - partial shade • zone 5
Shiny green, compound, leathery, spiny foliage Robust, bushy, tall plant. Blue-grey-green,
resembles English holly. Bright yellow flower triangular leaves with long spikes of tubular
clusters produce blue-grey berries. Plant in pink flowers 2.5 cm across. Attractive to but-
masses. Attractive to birds and bees. terflies, insects and birds. Easy to grow. Very
drought tolerant.
water use/irrigation: very low low low to moderate 8
11. 40 Top Plants
continued
shrubs and trees g ornamental grasses å perennials w
Perovskia atriplicifolia ‘Filigran’ Sedum spectabile ‘Autumn Joy’
Filigran Russian Sage Autumn Joy Sedum
w • 120 x 100 cm w 30 cm
• full sun • zones: all • full sun • zone 3
Dramatic airy upright stems with aromatic Award-winning. Upright, clump-forming
silvery grey-green deeply lobed foliage. succulent. Dark green leaves. Long lasting
Small violet-blue flowers appear in tall rose or dark pink broccoli-like flower clus-
spikes, late summer. Long season. Perennial ters. Easy to grow. Attractive to bees. Plant in
Plant of the Year 1995. Attractive to bees. masses. Seedheads provide winter interest.
Pinus ponderosa Sesleria heufleriana
Ponderosa Pine Blue-green Moor Grass
g 20 m or more å 50 x 40 cm
• full sun • zone 2 • full sun - partial shade • zone 4
Majestic conifer with broad open crown. Tough, compact, densely tufted mound-
Loose mass of heavy branches. Straight forming, with bright green leaves, greyish
trunk to 1.5 m dia. Attractive large cones. beneath. Panicles of white spikelets age to
Long needles in clusters. Handsome deep purple.
cinnamon-coloured, fissured bark.
Potentilla fruticosa ‘Pink Beauty’ Symphoricarpos albus
Pink Beauty Potentilla White Snowberry
g 100 x 150 cm g 50 - 150 cm
• full sun • zone 3 • full sun - partial shade • zone 3
Compact, finely textured mounding shape. Thicket-forming, arching shoots with dark
Small narrow leaves. Five petaled pink flow- green oval leaves. Small pink-white flowers are
ers to 4 cm across. Excellent long-flowering attractive to bees. White berry-like (poisonous)
shrub for mixed or shrub border. Varieties in fruit is important winter food source for birds.
white and yellow. Attracts butterflies. A hardy, tolerant shrub for border or screen.
Purshia tridentata var. glandulosa Syringa ‘Tinkerbelle’
Antelope Bush Tinkerbelle Lilac
g 100 - 300 x 300 cm g 120 - 180 cm
• full sun • zone 3 • full sun - light shade • zone 4
Rigidly branched erect sprawling shrub. New compact form. Renowned for fragrance.
Soft hairy grey-green leaves. An important Red-purple panicles of flowers are attractive
and endangered ecosystem plant. Over 100 to bees, butterflies and birds. Deer resistant.
species of insects visit its small fragrant An outstanding accent plant for intimate
yellow flowers for nectar and pollen. garden, patio or shrub border. Easy to grow.
Salvia nemorosa ‘May Night’ Thymus pseudolanuginosus
May Night Sage Woolly Thyme
w 50 x 60 cm w 2 - 5 cm, spreading
• light shade • zone 3 • full sun - partial shade • zone 2
Award-winning. Dark violet-blue flower Aromatic ground cover. Undulating mats of
spikes in May and June. Remains upright tiny grey woolly leaves. Inconspicuous pink
and tidy throughout the season. Attracts flowers. Use in rock crevices, between step-
birds, butterflies and bees. An excellent ping stones or spilling over banks. Attrac-
cut flower, fresh or dried. Aromatic. Low tive to bees. Can take some foot traffic.
maintenance.
water use/irrigation: very low low low to moderate 9